A Letter from Pastor Mark
April 27, 2021
Dear Church Family,
Our Core Value of Biblical Unity in Diversity means that we embrace the God-designed beauty and tensions that are a part of the church. It means that we embrace our gospel-identity in Christ above any other earthly identities (Col. 3:11) as we recognize and work through our differences.
The pursuit of this value is not easy. That’s especially true with ethnic harmony, and we witnessed that reality this week. Yet the church is the only institution equipped to be a place where people can have different perspectives and experiences but still be united in the gospel.
You may have heard about or read a blog post published on a local radio program’s website and have questions or concerns. The article included an internal email from our Human Resources Director, which the author stated was provided to them by a College Park Church staff member.
The email in the article was sent to our staff on the evening of the Chauvin verdict. While we have encouraged staff and church members to share different perspectives and process those together in grace, the email was not an approved communication or statement. After follow-up the next day, our Human Resources Director apologized to me and stated that she was attempting to share as a sister in Christ, not in any official capacity.
We are conducting an internal review of this entire issue so that we can learn and grow together.
For official statements and resources, please see our Elder Statement on Racial Reconciliation and Justice or three recent sermons:
The Chauvin verdict highlights, yet again, the enormous pain and brokenness in our world. It surfaces deep, historical pain for many of our minority brothers and sisters, and we should ponder how much we need the Lord's help. Additionally, we are seeking to encourage those in our flock in law enforcement, who are facing enormously challenging times. It is the cross, not social philosophies or solutions, that is our hope.
As we strive together, we welcome honest, Christ-like conversations; and we need to continue to grow in that regard with love toward one another.
My heart is broken over all this, yet I know that our Core Value of Biblical Unity in Diversity is worth striving for—even when it’s complicated and hard. I still believe that gospel unity creates racial harmony. We’ve learned, yet again, how challenging that can be. But it’s worth pursuing.
Thanks for your prayers that we would live in harmony together (Rom. 12:16) as we strive to be more and more like our Savior, Jesus Christ.
In Him,
Mark Vroegop
Lead Pastor
Updates Ahead of Easter Weekend
March 28, 2021
In light of the continuing improved status with COVID-19 in our community, starting the weekend of April 3, we are phasing in additional changes to Sunday services as well as for on-site ministry events. . .[Read More]
Sunday Morning Phasing
March 18, 2021
In light of the improving status with COVID-19 in our community, starting this next Sunday, Mar. 28, we are introducing a few changes to the Sunday morning experience. The first change is that we will no longer require pre-service registration. . . [Read More]
COVID-19 Update
January 7, 2021
As you may know, Hamilton County is now under the guidelines of the red advisory level per the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH). In a spirit of over-communication, we want to review how these new guidelines currently do, and do not, impact the ministries of College Park Church. . .[Read More]
Changes to the 12 p.m. service & Children's Programming Updates
October 1, 2020
Starting Sunday, Oct. 11, the 12 p.m. service only will become a “mask-recommended” service. The 8 & 10 a.m. services will continue to be “mask required." [Read More]
Steps Toward Regathering
July 26, 2020
After much prayer and consideration, we are eager and planning to keep taking steps toward resuming limited capacity in-person worship services on Sunday, Aug. 9. . . . [Read More]
COVID-19 Update & Reopening FAQ
May 21, 2020
As you probably have heard, Indiana is beginning to reopen in phases. We are sure that raises some questions for you about how church ministry is affected and when we can gather again for Sunday worship. . . [Read More]
COVID-19 Update
March 19, 2020
We want to update you and provide additional clarity on how we are planning worship services and ministry events. Thank you for your patience as we navigate this challenging season. . . [Read More]
COVID-19 Sunday Cancellations
March 14, 2020
Following the latest guidance from Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb and the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH), College Park Church will not gather in person but will live stream Sunday morning worship services beginning Sunday, March 15 through Sunday, April 5, 2020. . . [Read More]
COVID-19 Sunday Cancellation
March 12, 2020
For this Sunday, March 15, 2020, in addition to canceling all ministry events and meetings (see March 11 update below), College Park Church will not gather in person. We will live stream a Sunday worship service at 9:30 a.m. . . [Read More]
COVID-19 Cancellations
March 11, 2020
In an abundance of caution and care for the College Park Church family, and with a desire to help limit the spread of COVID-19 in Indiana, all College Park Church ministry events and meetings (except for Sunday morning worship services, nursery, preschool, elementary, and jr. high) are canceled through Sunday, March 29, 2020. . . [Read More]
COVID-19 Guidance
March 6, 2020
This morning, the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) confirmed the first case of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Indiana. We are aware of and closely monitoring the situation. . . [Read More]
COVID-19
March 5, 2020
In response to growing concern regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19), we would like to update you on our planning and precautionary health and safety measures in place at College Park Church . . . [Read More]